Frequently asked Questions

1.) Question- How high can I jump from without hurting myself?

Answer- As high as you think you're good enough. People have paralyzed themselves from 20 feet. Never jump un-prepared. Never jump out of peer pressure. Never jump under the influence of anything other than adrenaline. Start from small jumps and move up little by little. This is the most dangerous sport. AAW does not recommend cliff jumping to anyone. You need to know what you are doing!! JUMP AT YOUR OWN RISK!

2.) Question- Whats the highest jump ever done?

Answer- His name was Harry Froboess and he lived between 1899 and 1985. 110m was the jump, 360.65ft for you. There is very little to be read about him and/or the jump, and I do have my doubts about it from time to time. But it WAS listed in the Guiness Book Of World Records and he WAS a great diver.

2.) What is the correct way to jump off a cliff?

If you're a pro cliff jumper and would like to have your advise posted here, click the contact link and send us yours today. Let's help all beginners learn how to jump safe and with the greatest of style and grace!

Skorch-Pro Cliff Jumper-

Cliff Jumping, the original extreme sport, is a spectacular show. You get to watch people step off of rock ledges and move their bodies at speeds normally only attained in motor vehicles. If that doesn't sound dangerous enough water exhibits a characteristic called surface tension. That means that the surface of the water is like concrete at the moment of impact. When your feet strike the water they "punch" a hole in it causing a splash to rise up as you plunge down. I say that because any body part sticking out smacks through the water "separately", which translates to pain. I have been jumping for years now and have been fortunate enough to survive all my accidents and even be able to still make mistakes. The great part about accidents is that they are nature's teacher, if you don't do it right you get a quick slap. Before I get into proper jumping technique I just want to mention some of the more common mistakes. The first is not closing your arms at the moment of impact. We call this arm slap and it does hurt. The second mistake is not closing your legs, which as you could have guessed is called ball slap, usually a one-time goof up. The next biggest mistake is people who think they can step up. These are the guys who have never been jumping or they jumped off a pier in high school and then they see the big jump and climb right up it. You should jump off a twenty-thirty footer before a forty-fifty foot jump. If you are going to do big jumps wear shoes, they're good for breaking the water and to protect your feet from sharp rocks or broken glass. The first rule of cliff jumping is "It's called cliff jumping, not cliff falling so jump, don't fall". I say this because you have to hit the water arrow-straight. If you are slightly leaned forward your stomach and associated areas will break the water separately causing you to find a place to go sit down. If you're leaned slightly back it's like being kicked in the butt by a forty foot tall man wearing boots. The second rule of jumping is "You are accelerating at the water and impact is emmenient, arms at your side, tightly, and feet together with a rigid posture" Having a rigid posture means that your body is tense and prepared to go from sixty miles an hour to zero in the space of ten feet, similar to a car wreck. You do not want to relax until you are completely stopped. The water slows you down but loose arms and open legs can be wrenched into other positions by varying amounts of drag while cutting through the water. This could range from a dislocated shoulder on a lower jump or a broken back on a gnarly jump. The last rule is "If you don't want to do a jump or think you cannot make it climb down and live to jump again another day". This is more about your feelings and observations about a jump than anything else. Cliff jumping can never be considered "safe". This means that no matter what you can still get hurt. The point is do not land on any rocks or other objects harder than your body! Your goal is to land on your feet with your legs shut and arms tucked in tightly. When I feel I'm going to land on my face I pick my knees up into my chest and then double foot stomp the water's surface. When you pull your legs up even with your torso your center of gravity becomes more stable and raises up to your chest. When you're standing it's at your hips. Your timing is essential because the momentum from the stomp can cause you to become further off balance. Always remember to check the water and know your limits.

Joe Sellars-Pro Cliff Jumper- AirAboveWater.com
For beginners friendly heights(10-15 feet)start out straight and stay that way. For higher jumps(upward of 50 feet), jump up and out, keep arms overhead and in motion. If you're leaning to one side, "flap" your arms to return upright. If you go in at an angle, you'll hit the water like it's cement. Just before you break the surface, make certain your legs are together and straight, and, depending on which feels more natural, lock your arms either overhead(my personal choice)or at your sides. Never just fall or step off a cliff. This will only give gravity power over you!